[Multiple myeloma. Diagnosis and therapy]
H Goldschmidt1, F W Cremer, T M Möhler
1Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Universität Heidelberg. Hartmut_Goldschmidt@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma is one of the 20 most frequent malignancies in Germany. Initial symptoms are usually non-specific. Assessment of bone marrow and laboratory data as well as imaging techniques are essential for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. Data from molecular cytogenetics have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. Cytostatic therapy with alcylating agents and glucocorticoids prolongs the survival. High-dose therapy followed by transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells improves prognosis for patients up to the age of 70. Currently, modifications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, anti-angiogeneic and immunomodulatory drugs as well as proteasome inhibitors are evaluated in clinical trials. Supportive care has derived benefit from the introduction of new bisphosphonates.
Related Concept Videos
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

